Vitamin D and Seizure Control

Vitamin D has been studied for decades for its many functions in the body. Vitamin D is essential to the development of bones during the growing years and maintenance of strong bones through adulthood. It’s also important in brain development and growth of new brain cells.

Known as the “sunshine” vitamin, sunshine remains the best source for receiving vitamin D. Dietary sources include meat, fish, dairy products, and, interestingly, mushrooms. People who have little exposure to the sun are at increased risk for a vitamin D deficiency. Dark-skinned individuals are also at higher risk because the melanin in their skin blocks sun penetration.

Vitamin D May Help Seizure Control

Some anti-seizure medications interfere with how vitamin D is processed in the body. Supplemental vitamin D may be necessary for people who have these risk factors to maintain normal blood levels.

A study published in 2012 showed that correcting vitamin D deficiency reduced seizures in people with epilepsy.1 Only 1 of the 13 people in the study had sufficient vitamin D levels at the start of the study. All were provided with supplemental vitamin D based on their blood levels. Each person was checked during the study to make sure that the vitamin D levels normalized and didn’t become toxic. Seizures were recorded 90 days before and after individuals received the supplemental vitamin D.

Research in animals has also shown that vitamin D may play a role in seizures.

Check Your Levels

The Charlie Foundation recommends that everyone who has epilepsy have their 25-hydroxy vitamin D level checked. Review the following levels for 25-hydroxy vitamin D before speaking with your healthcare provider: